If you’ve recently been denied the purchase of a firearm after a federal background check, and you know it shouldn’t have happened, you’re not alone. Each year, thousands of law-abiding Americans are wrongly denied their Second Amendment rights by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) due to mistakes, outdated records, or incomplete data.

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we help clients nationwide challenge wrongful denials, clear up inaccuracies, and—most importantly—win their rights back. Here’s how to challenge a NICS denial effectively, and why working with experienced federal firearm attorneys makes all the difference.

Step 1: Understand Why You Were Denied

A NICS denial means the FBI believes you fall under one of the federal firearm prohibition categories listed in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or § 922(n). But the system isn’t perfect. Many denials happen because:

  • You were mistaken for someone else with a similar name or record

  • An arrest or charge was dismissed or expunged, but the database still shows it

  • The FBI misclassified an offense (e.g., calling a misdemeanor a felony)

  • Your civil rights were restored, but that information wasn’t reported

  • A mental health flag was entered but never removed

To fix the problem, you first need to know what the FBI thinks disqualifies you. That means starting a Firearm-Related Challenge.

Step 2: File a NICS Firearm-Related Challenge

Go to the FBI’s appeal portal at https://www.edo.cjis.gov to begin the challenge process. You’ll need:

  • Your NICS Transaction Number (NTN)

  • Government-issued ID

  • Any supporting documents you already have

You can file your challenge online or by mail. Once filed, the FBI will:

  • Review the reason for your denial

  • Notify you of the prohibiting record they relied on

  • Allow you to submit documents to dispute or clarify the record

⚠️ Warning: The process can take weeks or months. And if you don’t provide the right documentation, your challenge may be denied—or worse, ignored.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documentation

To win a NICS challenge, evidence matters. You need to show—clearly and convincingly—that you are not prohibited under federal law.

Depending on the reason for your denial, that may include:

  • Certified court orders showing charges were dismissed, vacated, or expunged

  • Mental health clearance letters or proof of successful state relief

  • Pardons, set-asides, or rights restoration documents

  • Evidence of a misidentification or record mix-up

NSLF can help obtain and organize the right evidence to support your challenge and communicate it effectively to the FBI.

Step 4: Monitor Your Case—and Be Ready to Escalate

After submitting your challenge:

  • The FBI will research the records in question

  • They may contact state courts or law enforcement for verification

  • You may be asked to submit fingerprints to prove identity

If your case stalls or is wrongly denied again, you may have legal options to escalate the matter, including:

  • Submitting a Voluntary Appeal File (VAF) application with a request for a UPIN

  • Petitioning for judicial review in federal court

  • Filing a new restoration request under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c) (once reopened)

What If I Was Denied for a Conviction That Was Expunged or Pardoned?

Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20)), a conviction does not count as a federal firearms prohibition if:

  • It was expunged or set aside

  • You were pardoned or had your civil rights restored

  • AND there is no explicit restriction on owning firearms in the order

We often help clients who’ve had their rights restored in their state—but NICS wasn’t updated. In those cases, we prepare and submit the challenge, include the restoration documents, and demand correction in the federal database.

Why Hire NSLF for Your NICS Challenge?

Because NICS appeals aren’t just paperwork—they’re strategic legal cases.

At NSLF, we:

  • Analyze your denial and identify the real cause

  • Prepare a complete, persuasive written challenge on your behalf

  • Communicate with the FBI and supporting agencies to speed up the process

  • Follow up with NICS until your denial is overturned

  • File a VAF/UPIN application if needed to prevent future problems

We’ve successfully resolved denials for clients across the U.S., including veterans, contractors, professionals, and first-time gun buyers.

Explore More Resources

For a deeper look into all your options, visit our main hub: 👉 Denied by NICS? Here’s How NSLF Can Help You Challenge Federal Firearm Prohibitions

Final Thoughts

You have the right to own a firearm—but if you’ve been wrongly denied, it’s up to you to fight back. Let us help.

📅 Schedule a free consultation today: https://www.nationalsecuritylawfirm.com/book-consult-now/

The National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.